Anne Bancroft as Mrs. Robinson and Dustin Hoffman as Benjamin Braddock for The Graduate (1967). Nichols' first choice for Mrs. Robinson was French actress Jeanne Moreau. Doris Day turned down an offer because the nudity required by the role offended her. Joan Crawford inquired as to play the part, while Lauren Bacall and Audrey Hepburn both wanted the role. Patricia Neal and Geraldine Page turned it down. Other actors considered for the part included Claire Bloom, Angie Dickinson, Sophia Loren, Judy Garland, Rita Hayworth, Susan Hayward, Anouk Aimee, Jennifer Jones, Deborah Kerr, Eva Marie Saint, Rosalind Russell, Simone Signoret, Jean Simmons, Lana Turner, Eleanor Parker, Anne Baxter and Shelley Winters. Angela Lansbury also asked about playing the part. Ava Gardner sought the role of Mrs. Robinson, and reportedly called Nichols saying,"I want to see you! I want to talk about this Graduate thing!" Natalie Wood turned down not only the role of Mrs. Robinson, but also that of Elaine. #annebancroft #mrsrobinson #dustinhoffman #benjaminbraddock #thegraduate #mikenichols https://www.instagram.com/p/BvZMUm5FfeU/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=v7a2bp6sf9tk
